Transactions
of the Azov-Black Sea Ornithological Station
Night roosts of wintering Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in Kharkiv City
O. A. Bresgunova
The Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) form mixed communal night roosts with Magpies (Pica pica) in winter season. In winters of 2003-2013, a large night-roost included up to 3,000 individuals. Starlings and Magpies roost together in a traditional site in the floodplain of Nemyshlia River in Kharkiv city. Starlings form communal roost from September to March, Magpies roost in this part of Nemishlia floodplain all the year round. Both species roost in reeds (Phragmites australis), and Magpies also use thickets of Grey Willow (Salix cinerea).